Opening Paragraph
Yoplait yogurt can be a great addition to smoothies. As a cultured dairy product, yogurt provides protein, calcium, probiotics and a creamy texture that can make smoothies rich and delicious. Certain types of Yoplait yogurt also contain added fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Using yogurt is an easy way to turn an ordinary fruit smoothie into a more nutritious breakfast or snack. Below we’ll look at the nutrition facts, flavors and types of Yoplait yogurt that work well in smoothies. We’ll also provide some recipe ideas to help you get started making yogurt smoothies at home.
Nutrition Facts for Yoplait Yogurt
Yoplait yogurt provides a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus and vitamin B12. An 6 ounce serving of plain Yoplait yogurt contains:
| Calories | 149 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13g |
| Carbs | 17g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Calcium | 491mg |
| Vitamin D | 52IU |
| Phosphorus | 265mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5mcg |
The protein in yogurt comes from the milk it’s made from and helps make smoothies more filling and nutritious. The live active cultures in yogurt also provide probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support digestive and immune health.
Yoplait yogurt is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, providing about 50% of the recommended daily value per serving. These minerals are important for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Many types of Yoplait yogurt are also vitamin D fortified, with up to 20% of the daily value per serving. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone health. It also regulates immune function and cell growth.
Finally, the vitamin B12 in Yoplait yogurt supports red blood cell formation and brain health.
So by adding yogurt to your smoothies, you’ll be getting a nutritious package of protein, probiotics, minerals and vitamins.
Best Yoplait Yogurts for Smoothies
When selecting a Yoplait yogurt for smoothies, stick to plain, low sugar varieties. Yoplait’s Original style yogurt is a great choice, with 6 grams of sugar per serving. For an extra protein boost, try Yoplait’s Greek 100 which provides an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving.
Here are some top picks for Yoplait yogurt smoothies:
– Yoplait Original – 99% fat-free, low sugar yogurt with live active cultures. Provides a creamy base for smoothies.
– Yoplait Thick & Creamy – Rich and creamy texture while still being 99% fat-free. Works well in thicker smoothies.
– Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy – Same great texture with only 90 calories and 1 gram of sugar per serving.
– Yoplait Greek 100 – Thick, strained Greek yogurt with no added sugars. Has twice the protein of regular yogurt.
– Yoplait Light Whips – Light and airy texture with 40% less calories than original Yoplait.
– Yoplait Fruit on the Bottom – Flavored yogurts that add a fruit boost to smoothies. Try strawberry, cherry or blueberry.
For the best flavor and texture, stay away from Yoplait’s fat-free and nonfat yogurts in smoothies. These can sometimes result in a watery or chalky smoothie consistency.
Including Other Smoothie Ingredients
When making a yogurt smoothie, consider pairing the yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit, milk or milk alternatives, juice, ice, seeds, oats and nut butters.
Fruit – Berries, bananas and stone fruits like peaches pair especially well with yogurt. The fruit adds body and sweetness.
Milk/Milk Alternatives – For a protein boost, use dairy milk, soy milk, almond milk or oat milk.
Juice – Small amounts of fruit or vegetable juice can add flavor. Citrus juices, apple juice and carrot juice work well.
Ice – A few ice cubes help thicken up yogurt smoothies.
Seeds – Chia seeds and flax seeds add fiber, healthy fats and thickness.
Oats – Quick oats, steel-cut oats and oat flour can make smoothies creamier.
Nut Butters – A spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter goes nicely with yogurt.
Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract enhance the flavor.
By experimenting with combinations of these mix-ins, you can create all kinds of delicious yogurt smoothie recipes to enjoy.
4 Yoplait Yogurt Smoothie Recipes
Here are 4 tasty smoothie recipes featuring Yoplait yogurt:
Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothie
– 1 cup Yoplait strawberry yogurt
– 1 ripe banana
– 1 cup frozen strawberries
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup ice
Piña Colada Yogurt Smoothie
– 1 cup Yoplait plain Greek yogurt
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tbsp honey
– Ice cubes
Blueberry Almond Smoothie
– 1 cup Yoplait vanilla yogurt
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1/4 cup almond milk
– 1 tbsp almond butter
– 1 tsp flax seeds
– Ice
Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Smoothie
– 1 cup Yoplait thick & creamy yogurt
– 1 cup frozen peach slices
– 1/2 cup quick oats
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tbsp maple syrup
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Tips for Making Yoplait Yogurt Smoothies
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of your Yoplait yogurt smoothies:
– Use frozen fruit and ice for a thicker, colder texture.
– Add the liquid ingredients first, then the yogurt. This prevents the yogurt from getting too diluted.
– Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for greater control over sweetness and tanginess.
– For probiotic benefits, make sure the yogurt contains live active cultures.
– Store yogurt smoothies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
– Use a powerful blender for smoothest results. If needed, stop and stir the ingredients midway through blending.
– Customize the flavors with extracts like vanilla, almond and coconut.
– Play around with mix-ins like cocoa powder, chia seeds, nut butters and cinnamon.
– Top with fresh fruit, granola, nuts or shredded coconut for extra nutrition and crunch.
The Pros of Using Yoplait Yogurt in Smoothies
There are many advantages to using Yoplait yogurt in your smoothie recipes:
Nutrition
Yoplait yogurt boosts the nutrition of smoothies with protein, calcium, vitamins and probiotics. Just one serving provides a significant amount of vitamins B12, D and phosphorus.
Creaminess
The creamy texture of yogurt makes smoothies rich, thick and satisfying. It has more body than milk or water.
Flavor
Yogurt adds tanginess and flavor to smoothies. It also balances out the sweetness of fruits and other ingredients.
Variety
Yoplait offers many yogurt styles and flavors. You can customize smoothies for your tastes and dietary needs, like low-fat or high protein options.
Cost
Yogurt is an affordable smoothie ingredient at around $0.30-$0.60 per serving on average. Plus it provides more nutrients than cheaper ingredients like ice or milk.
Availability
Yoplait yogurt is widely available at most grocery stores, so you can easily find it for smoothie making. It also has a long shelf life before opening.
Potential Drawbacks of Yoplait Yogurts in Smoothies
While Yoplait yogurt has many advantages, there are a couple potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
Added Sugars
Some varieties of Yoplait yogurt contain added sugars, which can make smoothies overly sweet or high in calories. Check labels and select unsweetened, plain yogurts whenever possible.
Lactose Intolerance
Since yogurt is a dairy product, it contains lactose. People with lactose intolerance may need to avoid yogurt or limit portions to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. Lactose-free yogurt may be tolerated better.
Fewer Probiotics
The live cultures in yogurt can diminish during blending. To get the most probiotics, you may want to stir in yogurt after blending the smoothie, rather than blending it in.
Taste Preference
Some people dislike the tangy flavor of yogurt or find it overpowers other ingredients. Using just a few tablespoons of yogurt instead of larger portions can help with this.
Storing Yogurt Smoothies
To maintain freshness and nutritional value, follow these yogurt smoothie storage guidelines:
– Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
– Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and to avoid spoilage.
– Stir or shake the smoothie before drinking to evenly distribute ingredients.
– Add a little milk or water to thin out if the smoothie thickens during storage.
– Don’t freeze yogurt smoothies. The yogurt will become grainy and watery when thawed.
– For longer storage up to 5 days, use a freezer-safe container leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top. The smoothie may partially freeze but can be stirred before serving.
Proper storage keeps yogurt smoothies fresher, while limiting growth of bacteria that could otherwise multiply and spoil the smoothie over time.
Is Yoplait Yogurt Healthy?
Yoplait yogurt can be part of a healthy diet if chosen wisely. Some types are healthier than others:
– **Plain, low sugar yogurts** – Excellent source of protein, calcium, vitamins and probiotics. Avoid added sweeteners.
– **Greek yogurt** – Higher in protein, lower in sugar and carbs. Thick, creamy texture.
– **Fruit on the bottom yogurts** – Contain real fruit for extra nutrients. Limit added sugar varieties.
– **Organic yogurts** – Made from milk of cows not treated with hormones or antibiotics.
– **Probiotic yogurts** – Live active cultures promote digestive and immune health.
– **Low fat yogurts** – Just as nutritious as full fat yogurts for fewer calories.
– **Non-fat yogurts** – Lower in nutrients but can be part of an overall healthy diet.
On the less healthy side are yogurts packed with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, artificial colors and additional unnecessary ingredients. Always check nutrition labels when selecting yogurts.
In moderation, Yoplait yogurt can be incorporated into a nutritious breakfast, snack or smoothie. But be mindful of less healthy varieties with additives that lack the full benefits of natural yogurt.
Conclusion
Yoplait yogurt is a versatile, protein-packed ingredient that can make smoothies richer, tastier and more nutritious. Stick to unsweetened varieties like Yoplait’s Original Greek 100 for the most benefits. Add fresh or frozen fruits, juices, seeds, milk and spices to create delicious yogurt smoothie recipes. With its many flavors and styles, Yoplait yogurt is an easy way to get more protein, probiotics, vitamins and minerals into your daily diet. Be mindful of added sugars in flavored yogurts and enjoy yogurt smoothies in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.